Borage
Borage (Borago officinalis)
A hardy annual herb valued for its cucumber‑like flavour, edible star‑shaped flowers, and exceptional appeal to pollinators
🌿 Borage, often called starflower, is a striking annual herb known for its vivid blue, star‑shaped blooms and softly hairy leaves. Native to the Mediterranean but long naturalised in the UK, it thrives in sunny, well‑drained positions and brings colour, movement, and wildlife to the garden. Cherished for centuries for its beauty, culinary uses, and traditional medicinal properties, borage is a versatile and rewarding plant for herb gardens, borders, and wildlife‑friendly spaces.
Borage is prized for its mild, refreshing, cucumber‑like flavour and its highly decorative flowers.
Leaves
• Used fresh in salads, soups, sandwiches, and chilled dishes
• Added to summer drinks, lemonades, and cocktails
• Ideal for herb butters, dips, and cold sauces
• Best harvested young, as older leaves become coarse
Flowers
• Edible, with a delicate sweetness and mild cucumber note
• Stunning garnish for salads, desserts, and drinks
• Can be candied or frozen into ice cubes for an elegant touch
• Popular in summer cocktails and botanical beverages
Flavour Profile
Fresh, cool, cucumber‑like, with a subtle sweetness in the flowers.
